Vietnam steps up UNESCO bid to recognise Ao Dai as intangible cultural heritage

The initiative is not only about safeguarding one of the country's most iconic cultural symbols, but also about enhancing Vietnam's cultural soft power and promoting its national identity on the global stage, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra said during her meeting with key members of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association on July 26.

She called for closer coordination between the association, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies to finalise the nomination dossier.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the UNESCO application represents more than a heritage preservation initiative. It is also expected to strengthen Vietnam's cultural identity, expand the country's cultural influence internationally, and introduce one of Vietnam's most recognisable symbols to a wider global audience.

She praised the association's efforts since its establishment more than a year ago, particularly its nationwide campaigns to preserve, promote, and celebrate the cultural significance of the Ao Dai through exhibitions, festivals, and public engagement activities.

The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged members of the association to continue serving as cultural ambassadors, introducing the elegance of the outfit and the values it represents to international audiences.

The Government, she added, is committed to supporting the preparation of the nomination dossier and promoting broader international recognition of the outfit.

Widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most enduring national symbols, the Ao Dai has accompanied the country's social and cultural life for a long time. Although its design has evolved over time, it continues to embody core values of Vietnamese aesthetics, elegance, and cultural identity. Today, the outfit is a familiar presence at diplomatic events, official ceremonies, schools, festivals, and cultural exchanges both at home and abroad.

In recent years, local authorities, cultural organisations, and communities across Vietnam have organised numerous Ao Dai festivals, cultural weeks, and international promotional campaigns to preserve and popularise the traditional costume.

The ongoing UNESCO nomination is expected to provide fresh momentum for safeguarding the costume while reinforcing its status as a cultural symbol representing Vietnam's history, identity, and creativity on the international stage.

VOV